Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is selling the team amid an investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct.
The Panthers posted a statement from Richardson on their website late Sunday in which the franchise’s only owner said it was “time to turn the franchise over to new ownership.” The statement says Richardson will put the franchise up for sale at the end of the season.
Breaking News:
Carolina Panthers are for sale. pic.twitter.com/o613tOBfxu— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) December 18, 2017
Richardson’s decision to sell the team came quickly. On Friday, word emerged that Richardson was being investigated for workplace misconduct. On Sunday, SI provided a detailed report about the alleged misconduct. They said that Richardson had reached four settlements over his workplace misconduct, all of which required confidentiality from the victims.
Richardson is accused of creepy sexual behavior, such as asking female employees for back rubs, requesting to shave their legs, and scrutinizing the looks of female employees wearing jeans on Fridays. He is also accused of racist behavior, such as using a slur against an African-American scout who left the organization. The NFL said on Sunday that they were taking over the investigation into Richardson.
The 81-year-old former player was awarded the Panthers as an expansion team in 1993.
